What happened
During a night flight at FL200 following a refueling stop, the crew experienced a series of mechanical warnings. Approximately 30 minutes into the flight, the fuel filter bypass warning light for the right engine illuminated. Within two minutes, the corresponding warning light for the left engine also activated. Shortly after these warnings, both engines lost power.
In response to the loss of propulsion, the pilot performed a forced landing on a moving ice pack located in the Bering Sea. The impact resulted in substantial damage to the aircraft.
Findings
Investigation of the aircraft revealed that ice was present within the engine and the main fuel screens. Significant quantities of water and/or ice were discovered in three separate fuel tanks that had been replenished prior to departure. Additionally, a fuel sample retrieved from the refueling tanker's nozzle contained an abnormally high level of water.
The presence of water and ice in the fuel tanks was a critical factor. While the flight manual mandates the use of an approved ice inhibitor when fuel is not premixed, the pilot did not have any inhibitor available for this flight. Furthermore, the pilot had opted not to drain the fuel tanks during the preflight inspection due to concerns that the extreme cold might cause the drains to freeze in the open position.